Executive Arrested in Insider Trading Case

Federal agents arrested an executive at a California "expert network" firm in connection with a sweeping three-year investigation of insider trading on Wall Street.

Ford Exchange Reduces Debt By $1.9 Billion

Ford reduced its debt by more than $1.9 billion as part of a debt-for-stock conversion offer, a move designed to speed the auto maker's return to investment-grade status.

Dow Rallies 150.91 in Preholiday Session

U.S. stock markets geared up for the holiday shopping season with a rally in retail stocks, and the Dow was up 150.91 points, as the latest economic data painted an improving picture for U.S. growth.

Treasurys Are Routed After Data, Soft 7-Year Auction

Treasurys were pounded, sending the 10-year yield to its highest point since Aug. 5, as U.S. and German data dented the allure of relatively safe assets. A $29 billion sale of seven-year notes drew tepid demand.

Crude Rises 3.2%

Crude-oil futures rallied, ending a slide toward $80 a barrel as traders cheered reports suggesting a better outlook for the U.S. economy.

Wiretaps Allowed in Galleon Case

Federal prosecutors can use secretly recorded telephone conversations of Galleon founder Raj Rajaratnam in a long-running insider-trading probe, a federal judge ruled.

Profiling Technology Mounts a Comeback

One of the most potentially intrusive technologies for profiling and targeting Internet users with ads, "deep packet inspection," is on the verge of a comeback.

U.S. Intensifies Foreclosure-Documentation Review

Several U.S. agencies have intensified their review of the banking industry's foreclosure documentation problems, using their powers over bankruptcy proceedings to scrutinize the treatment of troubled mortgages.

Consumer, Jobless Data Offer Hope on Economy

The household sector of the U.S. economy showed some positive signals with increases in consumer spending and income, while initial jobless claims took a sharp drop. But orders for durable goods tumbled.

Offshore Rig Orders End Drought

Drilling companies have ordered at least 17 new rigs since Oct. 1, signaling optimism oil prices will remain high and producers will continue to demand the latest equipment to tap hard-to-reach offshore reservoirs.

CBO Sees Stimulus Benefits, Raises Cost Estimate

The CBO estimates that the stimulus increased U.S. employment by between 1.4 million and 3.6 million jobs in the third quarter, though it raised estimates of its total impact on the deficit.